Medicine is dependent on teamwork and collaboration, and 黑料社 students had the opportunity to practice this firsthand. In Peace Hall, 50 physician assistant (PA) students and 24 anesthesiologist assistant (AA) students participated in a large-scale simulation designed to mirror the collaborative environment of surgical care.
On August 28, working in teams of two AAs and two PAs, the students rotated through a sequence of scenarios that blended live actors with high-fidelity, computer-controlled mannequins. Guided by ODU faculty, they prepared patients for surgery, answered questions, and reviewed medical histories. In ODU鈥檚 simulated operating rooms, the students confronted surgical complications that demanded fast, coordinated, and calculated responses. The day closed with a computer-based session on preparing patients to safely recover at home.
By the end of the exercise, students not only sharpened their skills but also developed a stronger appreciation for how their professions depend on one another. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a joy to see our students鈥� enthusiasm and how quickly they form new teams,鈥� said Barry Brownstein, Physician Assistant Studies Assistant Professor. 鈥淗aving the technical skills is important but being able to work together for our patients is pure gold.鈥�
Now in its second year, Interprofessional Education (IPE) Day has become a cornerstone of ODU鈥檚 health sciences training鈥攁nd one the university hopes to expand in the future. 鈥淥ur AA and PA students experienced the very heart of interprofessional education during IPE Day鈥攚orking side by side on simulated surgical cases from pre-op to post-op,鈥� said Dr. Shonna Riedlinger, Acting President of ODU. 鈥淚 am proud of our students, faculty, and staff for demonstrating the collaboration and clinical excellence that define ODU鈥檚 commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.鈥�
For both students and faculty, the event underscored the importance of partnership in patient care. 鈥淎s active members of the anesthesia care team, led by an anesthesiologist to provide the safest and most effective anesthesia care for patients, we were honored to participate in IPE Day with our PA program colleagues,鈥� said Aaron Grabovich, Program Director, Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies. 鈥淲e look forward to the continued growth of the AA and PA students.鈥�
To learn more about these programs, click here.